ECM: classifying metals and non-metals

Question 1

list all the physical properties

Answer 1

appearance, physical state at r.t.p., melting and boiling points, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, ductility and malleability

Question 2

compare the appearance of metals and non-metals

Answer 2

metals are shiny, but non-metals are dull (solids only)

Question 3

compare the physical state at r.t.p. of metals and non-metals

Answer 3

metals are solid at r.t.p. (mercury is an exception, being liquid at r.t.p.) but non-metals are usually gases or solids at r.t.p.

Question 4

compare the melting & boiling points of metals and non-metals

Answer 4

metals have high melting and boiling points (exception being mercury) while non-metals have low melting and boiling points (exceptions including carbon in the form of diamond and graphite)

Question 5

compare the thermal conductivity of metals and non-metals

Answer 5

metals are good conductors of heat while non-metals are poor conductors of heat (exception being carbon in the form of graphite)

Question 6

compare the electrical conductivity of metals and non-metals

Answer 6

metals are good conductors of electricity while non-metals are non-conductors of electricity (exception being carbon in the form of graphite)

Question 7

compare the ductility and malleability of metals and non-metals

Answer 7

metals are ductile (can be drawn into wires) and malleable (can be hammered into different shapes without breaking) while non-metals are brittle